Tech Advancements Aid Private Investigators

• July 09, 2018
• by Rachel Stinson
• Articles

The process of investigating has long been a tedious and difficult job where investigators regularly face multiple obstacles. Following people without being seen, photographing them, and tracking their activity can be quite difficult.

The rise of technology has helped revolutionize the investigation industry, as is typical with whatever area technology crosses into. Here we take a look at how electronic monitoring and the rise in technology has brought about a new age in this industry.

Tracking Mechanisms

As mentioned above, following people to record their movements and where they visit is one of the most commonly asked tasks for investigators. It is quite difficult to do that all day long without the individual under surveillance becoming suspicious. Eventually, investigators run the risk of being spotted and exposing their cover.  While using multiple investigators will work, that tactic will cost a lot of money and resources. But what if you place a GPS tracker on the vehicle of the person? The investigator does not need to be present at the location but can stay in a safe place and get real-time updates on the person’s whereabouts. However, this strategy may have some drawbacks as GPS tracking devices’ legality is contested. There are different outcomes from lawsuits, therefore, before utilizing a GPS tracking device, an investigator should be wary of any restrictions.

Hidden Cameras

When placed correctly, one can use hidden cameras to secretly record or relay video transmission on a minute by minute basis. Additionally, these cameras are small and discrete. Their size allows them to be hidden on the investigator’s person to record in-person audio. Spy cameras can be fixed on the investigator’s vehicle, allowing them to monitor houses and other establishments without the need to even be there. However, investigators should be aware of the applicable video and audio recording laws in their state as recording such interactions may be illegal. The use of spy cameras should be used within the confines of the state’s video recording laws.

Online Data Access

Personal investigators have the perseverance to comb through tons of information and data to uncover previously unknown information about a person or related inquiry. These can include looking for things like mobile numbers, home address and address of the workplace through records available to the public or information present on the internet. Libraries, both local libraries and online archives, will have old newspapers that can have information on car crashes, weddings, or deaths which can help a personal investigator find more details about a person. The rise of the internet makes it easy for investigators to access data from one location using online databases, rather than having to comb through a multitude of old newspapers in many different libraries.

Technology and the Law

Ultimately, technology has helped private investigators get the results that they need. New devices and techniques made it easier for investigators to collect evidence. However, technology has also complicated investigations, as private eyes must consider the legality of tools that allow them to gather more information. While all these technological advances make life much easier for a personal investigator, it is up to the investigator to use them in a responsible manner. As an investigator with the qualifications and licenses to investigate, you have the social responsibility to use these techniques in a proper manner. Always ensure you stay within the laws and never cross any privacy restrictions that can land you in hot water.

As technology continues to change, investigations may change as well. It is important that investigators look to new advancements to aid in their investigations, but also be aware of devices that may hinder the investigations as well. Just as technology can help uncover evidence, it may help the subject hid the truth. A successful investigator goes above and beyond and is constantly researching new approaches to find the answers they need.

Rachel Stinson has always had a knack for writing, food, fashion, and places. Blogging has combined all four for her with an added bonus of enthusiastic audiences. She expertly analyzes real estates, restaurants and camera stores with respect to pricing and people involved and can express her opinions in an unhesitant, engaging manner for all matters.